U.S. President Donald Trump is optimistic about the possibility of achieving peace in Ukraine following the successful hostage exchange in the Middle East.
Politico reported this, citing a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity, according to Ukrinform.
“President Trump has long expressed his desire to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, just like he freed the hostages and ended the war between Israel and Hamas,” the official told the outlet.
The publication notes that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appears eager to seize on the administration’s momentum, saying Tuesday in an address to the nation that there is “strong momentum for peace in the world now.”
The White House official emphasized that Russia must be motivated to come to the negotiating table because of its military and economic situation.
“As the President stated, the war hasn’t been going well for Russia, whose economy is in shambles and who continue to lose thousands of lives to gain ‘virtually no land.’ If they were smart, they would more urgently pursue a deal to end the war which has done significant damage to Russia’s reputation, stop the killing, and get their country back on the right track. President Putin has repeatedly rejected generous proposals toward peace that would have benefited Russia,” the official said.
He added that Trump “remains optimistic that he will be able to get both sides to stop the senseless killing.”
The article notes that the American President’s breakthrough in the Middle East may have strengthened his diplomatic confidence, though Russia has so far largely ignored his peace efforts.
Politico writes that Trump is scheduled to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday — part of Ukraine’s effort to shift the U.S. administration’s focus from the Middle East back to Russia.
As Ukrinform reported, U.S. President Donald Trump recently commented on his expectations for the planned meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, noting that Ukraine wants to obtain weapons, including Tomahawk missile systems.
Photo: The White House